Where do I learn this stuff?

[dalan]

The more I read on these forums, the more stuff i want to do to my car. I'm a relatively handy guy, but I'm afraid that some of this stuff (soldering leds, advanced wiring, etc…) might be a bit out of my league. I know it's usually better to start small, and work my way up, so for those of you with experience, where did you learn to do this stuff? Where did you start and what did you practice on? Any other advice I should be asking for?

[AZhitman]

Lots and lots of reading!

Start here: www.nissanversatech.com

You're in the right place.

[TryingDrive]

trial and error. educate yourself. be meticulous and slow at first. you'll figure it out. Nothing is toooooo difficult.

[Codelicious]

I think the best thing to do is to only do what you feel comfortable with. If you don't feel like you can solder something than try practicing on something else.

I have done a lot of DIY stuff to my Versa and it took me quite a while to actually feel confident in doing something that I could ruin. Sometimes you gotta just go for it.

It's also a lot easier if you have something to look off of. We created www.NissanVersaTech.com to help people with DIY mods and installs. Try looking around the website for some simple stuff to start with. Hopefully the pictures / videos will help you get started on something!

If you need any help on anything feel free to email or PM me!

[Promise Land]

Me personally, I started working on cars 23 years ago, so I have been honing the basic skills for a few years. I have hung a round a lot of guys that worked on various cars over the years, went to tech school program in high school for 2 years learning the basics, worked at Circuit City for a year to learn audio installation (basic and large projects) and hung around with a guy that won multiple national shows for audio, went to engineering school, and now work for an auto company.

If you want to learn some basics, as AZHitman and Codelicious said, we started the tech site for everyone to be able to learn how to do all the projects we are doing. We try to write / film them with as many details as possible using the most basic tools we can. They are done for those that want to learn how to do the maintenance and installation items in mind. I'd suggest trying a few of them as you can, save a few bucks in the process, and learn as you go. The service manuals are available on line that show you a picture of all the parts, torques required on the fasteners, etc. And if that isn't enough, you always have us to lean on for advice and help.

Where are you located? Are there any car clubs in your area that you can join for free and let those local experts show you the ropes?

[srellim234]

Along the lies of basic repairs, my left brake light burned out today. I picked up a bulb tonight so I can change it in the morning. Since I haven't looked at the taillight assembly yet is there anything quirky I need to be aware of or is it a straightforward simple bulb change?

[tKowReCkLeSs]

not really but if this is your first time taking the brake light out you might have a tuff time.

[srellim234]

I've changed bulbs plenty of times over the years but this is the first time on this car. With over 30k and almost 3 years on the car I decided to get a twin pack of bulbs and replace both sides. I'll try to get some pictures and maybe someone here can help me post them. I haven't done pictures on this site yet.

[Promise Land]

just follow the service manual or the first part of the smoking the taillights tutorial. it's easy peasy.

[srellim234]

Well, I cheated. Timing is everything. WC Nissan actually called as a follow up to the driver's door repair and I mentioned the brake light. They offered to change it for free as a warranty repair. I guess now I need to root for the other one to burn out in the next 1,500 miles.